Epilogue One
Melissa
O VER A MONTH has gone by. Zeke and I are closer than ever before. We spend all of our free time together, I hang out at the clubhouse on a regular basis now, and things are better than I could have dreamed they’d be. Zeke and Delilah adore their daddy and love spending time with him. Zeke’s definitely a daddy’s boy and is always following my man around. It doesn’t matter what Zeke’s doing, no I’ll never call him Homicide, but our son is right there with him. Delilah spends time with him but doesn’t tend to follow him all over the place. She’s a mommy’s girl for sure. I love it though. When she gets older, I can imagine the time we’ll spend in the kitchen cooking and baking together. I’ll pass down all the recipes I’ve learned over the years. The main time she goes to Zeke is when she gets hurt. Her daddy is her protector and knows he’ll always keep her safe.
Oaklynn and I talk on a regular basis. She’s trying to arrange some time off from the funeral home so she can come to Frostford for a while. I hope she can because I miss my best friend. I need her here with me. If I get her here, maybe Zeke, Grudge, and I can talk her into moving here to be with us. I know she’s helping her uncle out and taking care of her aunt, but we need her too. Anyway, not much has changed in her life. She works more than anyone else I know, goes home to take care of her aunt, and updates her uncle on what’s going on with the funeral home. He’s pretty much stepped back to let her completely run the place these days. Oaklynn doesn’t go out, isn’t dating, and hasn’t even talked to a guy in longer than she’ll admit to anyone. That’s really just who she is though.
Omen and Grudge are at our house on a daily basis. I’ve gotten to know Omen almost as well as I know Grudge. The two men hang out, have dinner with us, and play with the kids. Delilah loves it when Omen’s around. While she’s a mommy’s girl, he’s her favorite uncle. Her little face lights up when he walks through the door and she runs right over to him. Most of the time she bypasses her daddy in favor of Omen. Zeke is still closer to Grudge. Though he follows his dad around, Grudge is a close second. If Zeke’s not home yet, Grudge gets a shadow. It’s cute and I’ve gotten more than one picture of the guys with my kids. Yes, they hang on the walls of our home.
Marie and Kimber have become some of my best friends here in Frostford. They’ll never replace Oaklynn, but since she’s not here, I spend a lot of time with the two women. Marie always shares pictures and stories about my mom. I’ve seriously learned more about her since I got here than my entire life combined. I love hearing how free spirited she was growing up. My mom was an amazing woman and a large part of me can’t help but wonder if there’s more to her death than what I was told growing up. Since my father is dead, it’s not like I can ask him. This is one of those things I’ll never know the answer to. Kimber is an amazing woman. We talk and laugh for hours about everything. When I’m stuck with something for work on my own book, she reads through what I’ve written and helps me figure it out. Our kids also love spending time together. So, we try to make it happen a few times a week.
Rooster has become like a father to me. He’s taken the twins and me in as if we’ve known each other our entire lives. Last week I came home to find him and Zeke bringing a hand-carved crib into the house and up to the nursery. While we still don’t know if we’re having a boy or girl, Rooster made the crib gender neutral. He spent countless hours sanding, carving, and putting the crib together. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life. The man does amazing work and he’s already assured me there will be a matching rocking chair and changing table to go with the crib. I love him more than I ever did my own father because that’s the kind of man Rooster is. He’s there for me and the kids, shows us love on a daily basis, and treats everyone in the club as an equal. It doesn’t matter if a Prospect or an officer comes to him with a problem. They’re treated the exact same way by the President of the Dirty Slayers MC.
Zeke took the kids a little while ago down to the clubhouse to hang out. I was finishing up some work and now I’m heading there myself. Apparently we’re having a cookout today and it’s going to be all hands on deck to help get it ready. Even though the walk is long, I don’t bother driving my car down to the clubhouse. I’d rather walk and enjoy the sun beating down on me.
During my walk, I take in the homes belonging to a few of the members and the paved road that’s been recently added. It goes around the side of the clubhouse and comes up to where our houses are. I take the new road on my walk instead of the grass. The last time I walked in the grass, I came across a snake. It was small and the guys all laughed at me for freaking out, but I don’t like those things. Honestly, I believe it was more scared of me than I was of it. Zeke had a field day laughing because that’s one thing that hasn’t changed since we were younger. I’ve always disliked snakes and don’t hesitate to freak the hell out if I come across one.
When I finally make it to the clubhouse, I’m glad I took the walk instead of driving down here. I’m warmed from the inside out and it’s good exercise for me. Zeke won’t let me use the gym in the basement because he’s worried I’m going to hurt the baby or myself. So, walking is what I can do. Though, when I get farther along, I’m sure he’ll have a fit if I walk to the clubhouse as well. He’s definitely in overprotective mode.
Instead of going through the back door of the clubhouse, I head around the front. There’s already tents and multiple tables set up just waiting for the food to be brought out. The Prospects are filling tubs with ice for all the drinks we’ll have at the cookout. A small table sits by the large table in front. This isn’t the normal setup for a cookout the club has. I’ve only been to two so far, but this isn’t what it looked like. I wonder what the hell is going on to make the setup so different.
When I get in the common room, all the tables are missing. Instead, there are rows of chairs lined up. The couches have been pushed against the wall under the TVs too. I look around in amazement as curiosity fills me.
“Gutter slut! It’s about time you got your ass here,” Oaklynn’s voice comes from the hallway leading to the bathrooms and other rooms.
“Oaklynn!” I yell out, racing toward my best friend.
We crash together just past the entrance to the hall and hold one another tight for several long minutes. It feels as if it’s been forever since we last saw one another. I can’t believe she’s really here. Not just in Frostford, but at the clubhouse.
“What are you doing here?” I ask her when we finally pull apart, tears falling down both our faces.
“Your man arranged everything. He got me here and you’re stuck with me for the next week. I can’t believe you’re pregnant again. Haven’t you learned how that happens yet?” Oaklynn returns, a large smile on her face as she places her hand against my stomach. “Hello little one. I’m your auntie Oaklynn. I’m gonna teach you all sorts of ways to get into trouble. We’re gonna have so much fun. I love you already.”
“I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you so much,” I finally say as Zeke enters the room.
“Hey, baby girl. Do you like your surprise?” he asks me, his voice washing over me and sending chills up my spine.
“I love my surprise. Not as much as I love you, though,” I tell him as I turn to face him.
Zeke is kneeling down before me on one knee. He’s looking up at me with his eyes filled with love. More tears fill my eyes as I realize what’s about to happen.
“Baby girl, I would move Heaven and Earth to make you happy. Every day we get to spend together is one more I get to make memories with you. Today, we’re gonna make even more memories. Good ones. I love you, Melissa James and want to spend the rest of my life showin’ you how much I love you. I want to wake up every mornin’ with you in my arms, go to bed knowin’ you’re happy and satisfied, and watch our children grow up together. You’re the love of my life. Will you do me the honor of becomin’ my wife?” he asks, his hand shaking slightly as he pulls out a ring from his pocket.
“Yes!” I shout out, my voice filled with emotion.
Zeke slips the ring on my finger before standing up and pulling me into his arms. He holds me tight as he presses his lips against mine. I open my mouth for him to deepen the kiss as everything around us fades away to nothing. We’re in our own little world and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Oaklynn and Kimber are gonna help you get ready. Everythin’ is already set up and waitin’ for you. You can shower in my room before gettin’ ready for the rest of today. Hurry up, baby girl,” Zeke says, confusing me once again.
“What are you talking about, babe?”
“We’re gettin’ married today. I’m not waitin’ for us to have the same last name and start our lives together the way we should have years ago,” he announces as the room fills with members, Prospects, and a few of the Slayer Slits.
Oaklynn pulls me away from him before I can respond to him. While I noticed the differences in the common room, I didn’t believe this would be happening today. I thought we were spending the day as a club for just a regular cookout. Marie walks up to me as Oaklynn leads me from the common room.
“I’m so excited for you, sweetheart. You don’t worry about a single thing out here. I’ve got it all under control. We’re getting this all catered. The only thing I’ve done is make your wedding cake. I’ll see you soon,” she says, giving me a hug and holding me tight for just a minute.
Oaklynn takes me to Zeke’s room here at the clubhouse. Walking in, I find Kimber setting up all sorts of make-up and hair stuff on the desk he’s got in here. My best friend doesn’t stop walking until she has me in the bathroom. Once I’m inside, she leaves me alone to shower pointing out the robe on the back of the door that proclaims me as the ‘Bride to be’. I can’t believe everyone has come together to make this happen today. Best surprise ever!
***
K imber and Oaklynn have done my make-up, hair, and helped me get in the wedding dress one of them bought for me. There was even a brand-new set of lingerie Zeke bought for today. While one of them was working on me, the other was getting ready herself. Marie showed up a few times. One of those times was to bring the gift Zeke got me for today. He bought me a necklace with a heart charm. In the middle of the heart is his birthstone. There’s going to be a ring as well, but he’s waiting until this new baby is born to have the correct stone and name put on it. There is a picture of what it looks like though. It’s absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to wear it on my finger. My man did good.
“Alright, cum guzzler, we’re gonna head out there. You look beautiful and are going to have an amazing day today. I’m glad I’m here for your special day,” Oaklynn tells me as I faintly hear the music change through the door.
“I love you, Oaklynn. Thank you for everything. Kimber, thank you. Both of you are amazing and I’m glad to have you in my life,” I tell them, trying not to cry since my make-up is done.
Both women give me a final hug before grabbing their flowers and heading out of Zeke’s room. I grab my own bouquet before heading for the door. I don’t want to head out too early so Zeke sees me before it’s time, but I also want to make sure I hear the music change. Honestly, I have no clue what I’ll be walking to my future with Zeke to. If he planned our wedding, which is perfect so far, then anything could play. Taking a few deep breaths, the song finally changes. Forever After All by Luke Combs begins to play and tears fill my eyes. Zeke and I are finally getting our forever. Something I didn’t think we’d ever get.
Opening up the door, Rooster greets me with a smile lighting up his face. “May I have the honor of walkin’ you down the aisle, darlin’?”
“Of course, Rooster. Thank you,” I tell him, placing my hand on his arm where he holds it out for me.
Rooster and I walk down the aisle, which is just the hallway leading toward the common room. When we get to the opening, Zeke is holding our son while Omen holds Delilah. They’re both dressed up. Zeke is dressed up for him. He’s wearing a new pair of dark blue jeans with a black button-down shirt under his cut. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up showing off his muscled arms and the ink covering them. My mouth waters as I take in his appearance. The only difference between him, Omen, and Grudge is the color of their shirts. Omen and Grudge are wearing dark red button-down shirts with their sleeves rolled up like Zeke.
When we get up close to where my man and kids are waiting for us, Rooster comes to a stop. Hammer, a member of the club is standing there in front of the guys, Oaklynn, and Kimber.
“Who gives this woman away?” Hammer asks, his deep voice almost echoing off the walls.
“Marie and I do,” Rooster answers before leaning down and pressing a kiss against the top of my head.
After placing my hand in Zeke’s, Rooster steps back and takes a seat next to his woman. My full attention is on Zeke in front of me. Oaklynn taps on my shoulder several times before I turn to look at her while everyone else laughs. She takes my flowers so both of my hands are free.
Hammer starts the ceremony and I don’t hear a word he says. I’m staring into Zeke’s eyes and couldn’t be happier than I am right now.
“Zeke, you can say your vows now,” Hammer says as I finally break free from the hold of staring into Zeke’s eyes.
“Melissa, I love you more than words will ever do justice. There aren’t enough words in the world to convey how much you mean to me. We’ve been through hell and back, not sure if we’d ever see one another again. Now that I have you back in my life, I won’t ever let you go. You’re the air I breathe, light to my dark, and the center of my universe. There is no one else who will ever take your place or be able to give me what you do. You’re where my home is. It’s not a place or buildin’—it’s you. You’ve given me two amazin’ kids and a third one on the way. Thank you for everythin’ you’ve done and continue to do to make as many memories as we’ve already made and will continue to make in the future. I love you to the moon and back a million times,” Zeke says and I lose my battle against the tears I’ve been holding in.
“Melissa, it’s your turn,” Hammer says, a soft smile on his face as he looks at me.
“Zeke, I love you so much. I’m not sure if any of this will make sense because I didn’t know about getting married today. You are my strength when I can’t find my own, the rock I rest against when I’m exhausted, and my biggest supporter. No matter what I want to try, or do, you’re the first one to tell me I can do it. Without you my world is bleak and dark. There are no good days if I can’t have you at my side. You’re my equal in everything and I will spend the rest of my days loving you, watching our kids grow up, and make a million and one memories together. Memories I’ll cherish all the days of my life. You’ve given me our children, a new family, and a place to call home. You’re my home and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than in your life and arms,” I say as my tears continue rolling down my face.
We exchange our rings and repeat the vows Hammer says before us. After Zeke turns and hands our son to Grudge, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me deeply with all the love he feels for me. I return the kiss and hold nothing back from him. We don’t break apart until the clapping, whistles, and catcalls break through the haze we’re in.
“I love you, baby girl,” Zeke whispers, pressing a gentle kiss against my lips once more.
“I love you too, babe,” I return as we turn to face our friends and family.
***
W e’ve been at our reception for hours now. I’ve danced with Oaklynn and Kimber, eaten my weight in the amazing food Marie had brought in, and talked with everyone here at the clubhouse. Oaklynn and I spent a while in a corner by ourselves as she asked me question after question about Omen. My sister from another mister has a crush on my husband’s best friend. It’s good to see her looking at a man the way she is Omen. He’s checked her out a few times as well. I’m not sure if anything will ever develop between the two of them, but I’m not going to stand in her way if he’s someone she wants.
The only other thing we did was take pictures. We started out with the entire wedding party, did some with just the kids and us, and then did shots of the two of us. I don’t normally like having my picture taken, but I honestly can’t wait to see how these ones turn out. I want to hang them up in our home and showcase the day I became Mrs. Zeke Jones. It’s our special day and I’m proud to become Zeke’s wife. To spend the rest of my days with him and grow as we watch our children and grandchildren grow into amazing young men and women.
“Baby girl, we’re gonna have our dance now and then cut the cake. Once we have our piece, I’m takin’ you home. Tomorrow Oaklynn is gonna stay with the kids all day so we can get out of here for a few days. We won’t be too far away in case somethin’ happens,” Zeke says, walking up and holding out his hand for me.
“Sounds perfect.”
Pulling me into the middle of the make-shift dance floor, Under My Skin by Nate Smith begins playing. We hold each other close and dance in a slow circle with one another. I rest my head on Zeke’s chest, listening to his heartbeat as I close my eyes and simply exist in the moment instead of looking at everyone here to celebrate our day with us. Zeke starts singing the song to me, his deep voice washing over me as I hold him tight. This man is my entire world and I will never get enough of him.
When the song ends, Zeke leads me over to the small table I saw earlier that now holds a beautiful cake. It’s got four tiers with white frosting on it. Red and black flowers go down the entire side facing the dance floor. The cake topper has a bike with a man straddling it while holding a woman in his arms. It’s the best thing I’ve ever seen. I almost don’t want to cut into it because it is so beautiful and I know Marie put her entire heart and soul into making this for us.
Zeke and I cut our cake as everyone crowds around and watches us. Picking up a small piece, I know already my husband is going to smash the cake in my face. It’s written in the sparkle in his eyes. Well, if that’s what he plans on doing, I’m going to do the same back to him. Marie gives us a countdown and we both open our mouths to accept the piece of cake from the other one. Instead of placing the cake in my mouth, Zeke mushes it all over my face. It even ends up in my hair. I return the favor. Not only smashing it in his face but smearing it all over his face. Most of his beard is covered in cake and frosting as everyone laughs along with us. I really hope someone got pictures of this moment because it’s great.
“I love you, Mrs. Jones,” Zeke says as he helps me clean my face off.
“I love you, Mr. Jones,” I return, helping him get the cake out of his beard.
Once we’re done cleaning up, Zeke and I take our seats at the table in front of everyone else. Marie, Kimber, and Oaklynn pass out pieces of cake to everyone who wants one as men and women dance, drink, eat, and have a good time. When I get my piece of cake, I eat it as if I haven’t eaten anything all day long. Delilah is in a highchair in front of us and has her own piece of cake. Zeke is sitting right next to her as he watches her eat before diving into his own. If I thought Zeke and I were a mess when we cut the cake, it’s nothing compared to our twins. They’re covered from head to toe in frosting and small pieces of the fluffy cake.
When we’re done with our cake and have spent a little more time with everyone, Zeke finally decides it’s time for us to go home. We bathe the kids and get them ready for bed before Zeke helps me out of my dress. After showering together and spending way more time in there than we should have, Zeke and I spend the rest of the night worshiping one another. The perfect ending to the perfect day if you ask me. I’m in bed with my husband and our children are sleeping safely in their beds. Our newest addition is safe in my belly and will be here before we know it. My life is better than I ever imagined it could be.